Official Voting Ballots for the 2004-2005 Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee were placed in the mail on April 16. The candidates on this ballot were either selected by the Nominating Committee or were submitted by write-in on the Nominating Slate.

Voting Ballots will be accepted at the CCMS office, 2590 East Russell Road, until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 17. Only original ballots will be accepted, so please mail or deliver your votes by the deadline.

Contested Race

Trustees (Five To Be Elected)

Nominating Committee Slate

· Farooq Abdulla, MD, Neonatology, 3016 W Charleston Blvd #180, Las Vegas, NV 89102

· Larry Cohler, MD, Cardiovascular Surgery, 3061 S Maryland Pkwy #202, Las Vegas, NV 89109

· Mark Doubrava, MD, Ophthalmology, 9011 W Sahara Ave #101, Las Vegas, NV 89117

· John Kurlinski, MD, Neonatology, 3196 S Maryland Pkwy #305, Las Vegas, NV 89109

· Carol Van der Harten, MD, Pathology, 4230 S Burnham Ave #250, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Trustee Candidates by Write In Ballot

· Anil Batra, MD, Pulmonology, 3650 S Eastern Ave #230, Las Vegas, NV 89109

· LeRoy Bernstein, MD, Pediatrics, 3006 S Maryland Pkwy #530, Las Vegas, NV 89109

· Jerry Jones, MD, Ob-Gyn, 400 Shadow Ln #207, Las Vegas, NV 89106

Uncontested Races

President Elect

· Ronald Kline, MD, Pediatrics, 3059 S Maryland Pkwy #202, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Secretary

· Florence Jameson, MD, Ob-Gyn, 5281 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Delegate Chair

· Bashir Chowdhry, MD, Cardiovascular Surgery, 4180 S Pecos Rd #175, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Nominating Committee

· Edwin Kingsley, MD, Oncology, 3730 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109

· Warren Evins, MD, Internal Medicine, 1769 E Russell Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

· Robert Shreck, MD, Family Practice, 2225 E Flamingo Rd #101, Las Vegas, NV 89119

· Howard Hoffman, Jr., MD, Pathology, 4230 Burnham Ave #250, Las Vegas, NV 89119

· Jerry Jones, MD, Ob-Gyn, 400 Shadow Ln #207, Las Vegas, NV 89106

· Marietta Nelson, MD, Ophthalmology, 2020 Goldring Ave #401, Las Vegas, NV 89106

· Frank Nemec, MD, Gastroenterology, 3131 La Canada St #216, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Fees being assessed for AHEC bioterrorism courses

By Deborah Barton, CCMS Public Relations Coordinator

Karen Seale, Associate Director of Public Health Preparedness Education for the Southern Nevada Area Health Education Center, announced a change in the plans for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training of Nevada physicians and other health professionals meeting AB 250 mandates. Seale said that although the AHEC had hoped it would be able to offer all health professionals the legislatively mandated training free of charge, it has become clear that funding will not be sufficient to make this possible. This is due to increased demand for the courses and lack of continuous funding sources for the program. AHEC will be offering the training with small fees to cover their costs, as no funding was established by the state to cover this mandate.

More specific information about AHEC’s WMD courses, enduring materials, and their costs will be published in County Line once the information becomes available. Information is also available by calling Devin Wheeler at 702-318-8452.

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President’s Message

By Ed Kingsley, M.D., 2003-2004 CCMS President

s my wife and I return from a ten-day trip to England, I have the opportunity to reflect on the differences between the health care delivery system in the United Kingdom and that in America. I had the opportunity to speak with several English blue-collar workers on their experiences with and thoughts of their National Health System. Their system was born during World War II when an overwhelming number of both soldiers and civilians required medical care for their injuries from the devastating attacks inflicted on England by Nazi Germany. The Brits got used to this new health care system and so it continues to this day. The good: it's "free" (of course it's not), meaning the patient doesn't pay a pence at the time of service for care, whether it's a sore throat or a coronary bypass procedure. The "queue" to see a doctor is not long, either. For that sore throat, the patient usually goes to the "Casualty Department" (our emergency room) and is usually promptly seen and treated by a physician. By the same token, an urgent coronary bypass is performed immediately. Everybody has his or her own family doctor, the "gate keeper" for the system, similar to the way most of our HMO's function; he cares for his own cadre of patients just as their US counterparts do. He or she must approve all hospital admissions, referrals to specialists and surgeries. However, if the patient has the financial wherewithal to pay for those services outside of the system, he is free to shop around for his health care. The doctors are "good", according to at least two different people with whom I spoke, and it's not hard to get in to see one. Prescriptions for the non-disabled between the ages of 18 and 65 cost a flat 5 pounds each (about $10 currently), whereas prescriptions are free for all others, including pregnant women. The bad: elective surgical procedures can take months to schedule. The hospitals appear to be understaffed with nurses (sound familiar?) and thus hospital care is not what some think it should be. And where does the money come from to pay for this expensive system? We all know that answer: taxes, and they're sky-high in the UK. For example, of the $7.50 per gallon of "petrol" the motorist pays at the pump, 80% goes to the government. About that same percentage is also extracted from those buying tobacco and alcohol. However, the income tax rate appears to be about the same as ours, from what I could ascertain from my interviewees. So, whose system is better? Obviously, each has its good and its bad. Those with whom I spoke are happy with their system. Right now, I think most Americans also prefer their current health care system. However, as the cost of medicine inevitably continues to rise in our country, to a much greater degree than other goods and services, I believe that opinion will change. As a result, I won't be surprised at all to see the nationalization of our health care system within my lifetime.

he good news about our KODIN campaign is that Secretary of State Dean Heller has designated our Initiative "#3" for the ballot this coming November. This numerical designation will greatly simplify our task of educating our patients and the public about this all-important issue since we can simply tell them to "Vote yes for #3" instead of "KODIN", which name, although well-recognized by doctors, is actually not widely recognized or understood by everyone else (according to a recent poll). Of course, we must still educate our patients - that segment of the voting public on whom we have the most direct influence - about the details of the Initiative. To that end, educational posters and literature have hopefully been delivered to all of you by now (if not, please call the Society for it). I hope you are already actively utilizing this information and giving it to your patients. In addition, we are asking that each of you designate one of your office employees to become an official state registrar who can then register your patients who have not yet done so. The registrar himself is not allowed to educate or persuade the patient to vote "yes" for this initiative at the time of voter registration although that can and should be done by either yourself and/or someone else you designate in your office, such as your nurse. The importance of this process cannot be understated. All of us can have a direct and powerful impact on how our patients will likely vote for this initiative if we simply commit ourselves to it. It's not that difficult - there are only five points on the Initiative - nor should it take much time when we are with our patients. As you are concluding your visit with your patient, simply say something like: "Oh, by the way, Mrs. Jones, on the ballot this coming November will be a very important initiative - #3 - that, if passed, will help you keep me as your doctor. This brochure contains a brief summary of its points. I hope you and your friends and family vote "yes" for it. Thanks". Remember, the point that needs to be made to our patients is that this initiative is not to reduce the cost of medical liability insurance (which the Initiative should do eventually), but rather that it will help ensure that we will continue to practice medicine in Nevada and, therefore, our patients are more likely to keep us as their doctors. If every doctor does this between now and then, think of the many thousands of patients (read "voters") we can directly influence and educate about this issue. We are also asking many of you to volunteer your office space for small "grass root" meetings to help educate others - non-patients. Please call and ask how you can help in this effort. Everyone of us should be - must be - involved in this process since the result at the ballot box next November, I believe, will substantially affect the way medicine is practiced in this state for many years to come.

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Membership Applicants To Go Before Credentialing Committee

If you have any pertinent information about the following membership candidates, please contact:

Clark County Medical Society, 2590 E. Russell Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120

· Wen Liang, MD, Internal Medicine

· Gorden Chu, MD, Diagnostic Radiology

For information on becoming a member of the Clark County Medical Society, call Marlaina Burns at 739-9989

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In Memorium

The Clark County Medical Society is saddened to announce the passing of Thomas Keyes, MD, general surgeon. Dr. Keyes passed away on April 2, 2004 and had been a member of CCMS since 1957.

CCMS is also regret to announce the passing of Josue Rojas, MD, family practice. Our office recently learned that Dr. Rojas passed away on July 12, 2003. He had been a CCMS member since 1990.

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New Members for March 2004

Congratulations and Welcome to the Clark County Medical Society

John J Minoli, MD, Plastic Surgery, 4760 S Pecos Rd #200, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Reinstated Members

Howard I Baron, MD, Gastroenterology, 3196 S Maryland Pkwy #309, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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CCHD reports on public health surveillance programs

By Donald S. Kwalick, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer and Brian Labus, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist

When people think of surveillance in Clark County, they tend to think of the "eye in the sky" in the casinos. Although the methods differ, the purpose of performing disease surveillance is the same: to identify problems as early as possible in order to remedy the situation.

Disease surveillance systems function as the eyes and ears of the health district, allowing for the rapid identification of unusual illness patterns or trends and clusters of disease. Once problems are identified, the health district uses these systems to track the effectiveness of control measures and to ensure the problem has been resolved.

The major source of surveillance information is the local physician! Nevada law requires physicians, nurses and laboratories to report over 60 different diseases to the health district. Once these diseases are reported, the health district can take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of disease, which may include excluding sick children from school and sick food handlers from work to providing prophylactic medications to contacts. These illness reports also allow the health district to determine the effectiveness of general preventive programs, such as childhood immunization.

In addition to the legally-required disease reporting, many local physicians, hospitals and school nurses participate in voluntary surveillance programs. Each week, participating sites provide the health district with information about the percentage of patients seen with influenza-like symptoms or gastroenteritis. The influenza surveillance program is part of a program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides a larger, regional and national view of influenza.

In addition to the voluntary gastroenteritis surveillance program, the health district tracks foodborne illness through restaurant complaints received directly from the public. These complaints are monitored to identify clusters, which have been instrumental in the identification of foodborne outbreaks in the community. A combination of surveillance systems are useful in monitoring the background levels of gastroenteritis in the community, and can identify community-wide disease problems.

The health district's newest surveillance system, called syndromic surveillance, tracks patients' complaints as they seek medical care. Daily reporting by hospitals and clinics through this automated system can more rapidly identify clusters of disease than other methods. This past winter, syndromic surveillance identified the beginning of influenza season two weeks before it was identified by other systems. Because it is not focused on a specific disease, but rather on a group of symptoms, syndromic surveillance can be used to identify and track a wide variety of health problems, including those resulting from a bioterrorism event. The syndromes include the following:

General illness (total patient visits)
Gastroenteritis
Influenza-like illness
Dermatological (Rash) illness
Neurological illness

These surveillance programs are an important component of the public health preparedness activities carried out by the health district. Staff works diligently to expand and enhance the surveillance capacity of the district to ensure illnesses are quickly identified, proper treatment is administered and appropriate steps are implemented to curb the spread of disease.

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Clark County District Court Medical Malpractice Filings against Health Care Providers

Jan 2001 – Mar 2004

2001 2002 2003 2004

Jan 39 33 109 50

Feb 20 14 88 68

Mar 35 30 148 104

Apr 37 34 101

May 37 35 108

Jun 27 24 98

Jul 19 100 97

Aug 54 51 63

Sep 20 65 85

Oct 37 83 114

Nov 38 184 50

Dec 9 170 55

Sum 372 823 1116

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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

By Weldon (Don) Havins, M.D., Esq., CCMS CEO and Special Counsel

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 substituted the scheduled 4.5% decrease in physician Medicare reimbursements with a 1.5% increase in reimbursements. The federal law also added a section to the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, Section 223) establishing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs replace the Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). HSAs may be established any time after January 1, 2004.

What are the benefits of a Health Savings Account?

Contributions to a qualified HSA are deductible from gross income on the federal income tax return (Line 25 on Form 1040). No itemization is necessary to receive the deduction. Contributions to the HSA may not exceed the health insurance policy deductible and are maximized at $2,600 for an individual and $5,150 for a family health insurance policy. The maximum contribution limits are subject to cost of living adjustments annually.
Funds accumulating in the HSA grow tax-deferred. Amounts of the HSA used to pay qualified medical expenses of a beneficiary of the health insurance policy shall not be included in the calculation of gross income for federal income tax purposes. Any amount paid or distributed out of an HSA which is not used to pay qualified medical expense must be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes. Withdrawals from the HSA for other than qualified medical expenses prior to the Social Security retirement age (see 42 USC 1395c) are subject to an additional 10% tax penalty (110% of the amount withdrawn is includible as gross income). There shall be no penalty if a distribution or payment is made after a beneficiary becomes disabled (as defined in 26 USC 72(m)(7)) or dies.
Medical Insurance premiums are usually significantly lower due to the large deductible.
The owner of the HSA is the individual, whether self-employed or an employee. Thus a change of employment does not disrupt the continuity of the HSA, and the HSA moves with the employee.

A qualifying health insurance policy must have a minimum deductible of $1,000 for an individual to a maximum deductible and other annual out of pocket expenses not exceeding $5,000. Family coverage deductibles must be between a $2,000 deductible and total out of pocket expenses not to exceed $10,000. There may not be other health insurance coverage with a lesser deductible. The qualifying health insurance policy premiums may be paid by the employer, but the policy belongs to the employee and moves with the employee when the employee changes jobs. While contributions to the HSA are maximized at $2,600 for an individual and $5,150 for a family plan, for individuals age 55 or over the maximum contribution is increased by the following: 2004, $500; 2005, $600; 2006, $700; 2007, $800; 2008, $900; 2009 and thereafter, $1000.

What public policy supported the establishment of HSAs? Concern over the rising cost and utilization of medical services was primary. It was felt that there would be less unnecessary utilization of medical services if the person’s health insurance included a large deductible, especially if that large deductible were tax advantaged. Individuals of means will be more likely to pay the deductible expenses out of pocket and leave the contribution to the HSA intact to grow tax free. Costs of a large deductible health insurance plan are likely to be substantially less expensive than standard deductible health insurance, thereby additionally motivating the purchaser (employer or self-employed) to implement an HSA. The concern of a sufficiency of funds in retirement is addressed by permitting withdrawals of HSA funds after retirement age when Medicare health insurance is available.

There are public policy-makers opposed to HSAs. Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative John Dingell have drafted a bill to repeal HSAs. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle has also introduced a bill to repeal the legislation creating HSAs. With Republicans in control of both Houses of Congress it is unlikely these bills will be successful. Some Democratic legislators are said to oppose HSAs because they are a tax benefit to the more wealthy of our society and are beyond the means of the less fortunate. Those who wish to see the initiation of a one-payor public healthcare financing system are convinced that creation of HSAs will forestall them.

Stock brokerage firms here in Las Vegas are implementing conversions/roll-overs from the "old" Archer Medical Savings Accounts to the new Health Savings Accounts. To open an HSA, one must first obtain a qualifying high deductible health insurance policy. Then, there is a small fee for establishing the account and a small annual maintenance fee. The brokerage will issue a debit card and a checkbook from which qualifying medical service expenses can be paid. Again, a main benefit of HSAs is the ability to have a tax deduction on money placed into a tax advantaged account.

CCMS appreciates the extensive information supplied on Archer MSAs by Donya Monroe of Merril Lynch, Green Valley. We assume virtually all brokerages will have similar extensive information available on request in the near future on the substantially similar HSAs.

These high deductible tax advantaged accounts may be worth your further inquiry.

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NSMA approves resolutions at annual meeting

By Larry Matheis, NSMA Executive Director

The House adopted a number of new policy resolutions, which had been submitted by the various Local/County Medical Society delegations and individual members. All of the resolutions will be posted on the web site, but here’s a sampling:

“That NSMA will work to achieve State Legislation that mandates the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners (NSBME) will automatically and thoroughly review the charges and resulting disciplinary action recommendations by the hospital medical staff in any and all situations”;

“That NSMA convene a Task Force to evaluate managed care abuses”; “That the NSMA propose a bill draft request that the NSBME and the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (NSBOM) perform criminal background checks on all physicians who are applying for licensure to practice medicine in the State of Nevada”;

“That NSMA propose a bill draft request to amend Nevada law to provide for a Medical Dental Screening Panel as proposed in AB 300 of the 2003 Legislative Session”;

“That the NSMA propose a bill draft request to amend Nevada law to provide that administrative hearings of the NSBME be open to the public unless the defendant requests in writing that the hearing be closed”;

“That administrative hearings of the NSBME involving defendants from Clark, Nye or Lincoln Counties be held in Las Vegas, Nevada”.

A comprehensive policy statement on “NSMA Policies for Bioterrorism and Disaster Preparedness” was also adopted.

The full listing of passing resolutions from the 2004 NSMA Annual Meeting will be printed in a future issue of the County Line.

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Dangerous Abbreviations and Medication Errors

By Robert Shreck, MD, HealthInsight Medical Director

The Nevada Center for Patient Safety announces its project to eliminate the use of dangerous abbreviations, which can lead to medication errors in both the hospital and outpatient settings. The center has initiated a campaign to remind doctors, nursing staffs, and pharmacists that there are at least 24 dangerous abbreviations identified by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices that can be misread or misinterpreted, leading to the majority of these types of medication errors. Posters and pocket cards are being distributed to all Nevada hospitals, physicians, nurses and pharmacists as a reminder to avoid abbreviations that are easily misinterpreted and should be avoided.

A 2001 survey of 25 Nevada and Utah hospitals done by HealthInsight showed that medication errors may occur at four stages of the medication process: ordering by the physician, transcription and verification, dispensing and administration. However, most errors are "intercepted" and "rarely injurious to the patient".

The Nevada Center for Patient Safety was formed in 2002 by founding members: HealthInsight, Nevada Association of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada Hospital Association, Nevada State Medical Association, Nevada Nurses Association and Nevada Pharmacy Alliance.

The goals of the Center are to improve safety and quality of health care delivery in Nevada, enhance collaboration and communication among Nevada Health care professionals and to increase public awareness and understanding of the current activity ongoing to improve health care in Nevada.

Sample of Dangerous Abbreviations

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Minutes Synopsis

(Members can receive a full copy of meeting minutes by calling 739-9989.)

CLARK COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Tuesday, February 17, 2004; 6:00 P.M.

Action Items

The board approved the minutes from the February 17th meeting.

Financial Report

Dr. Steinberg reported the revenue thus far in the fiscal year is down compared to the same time last year. The operating expenses this fiscal year, not including building expenses, is lower compared to last year at this time. The revenue shortage is mostly due to non-renewal of members. Staff was commended for doing an impeccable job of keeping expenses down.

Committee Reports

Community Relations/Community Health Committee

Dr. Bernstein reported there will be another Mini-Internship program in mid November, inviting both incumbents and challengers. Dr. Bernstein stated his Committee recommended the City Council members and the County Commissioners be invited to the Legislative Dinner. Dr. Bernstein reported 25 members have signed up for the speaker's bureau. It was suggested the bureau be marketed to schools and various religious groups.

Credentials Committee

The board approved John J. Minoli, MD, Plastic Surgery, for membership.

Membership Committee

Marlaina Burns presented the membership report which showed 647 paid members and 130 members who have not yet paid their 2004 dues. Total new members for the fiscal year are 33. Staff was directed to fax broadcast notification of the half price dues special and track how many new members join as a result of the fax broadcast. It was suggested the fax broadcast include information about the 5% malpractice insurance discount for CCMS members being offered by Nevada Mutual.

Nursing Shortage

Larry Matheis reported the Legislative Commission is working on the nursing shortage and he will inform the Board when a solution has been proposed.

County Health District

Eleven doctors have signed up for the Medical Reserve Corp. Dr. Kwalick stated upwards of 40,000 Medical Reserve Corp volunteers would be needed if the population were to be immunized in an emergency.

Dr. Kwalick briefed the Board regarding the virus at the California Hotel and the steps being taken to handle the incident.

A copy of the 66 communicable diseases which are required to report was given to the Board members. Dr. Kwalick reminded board members that all healthcare providers must report these 66 communicable diseases to the District Health Officer office, as required by law.

NV School of Medicine

James Lenhart, MD introduced himself as the new Vice-Dean of the NV School of Medicine, replacing Michael Harter. He stated the hunt for a new Dean was progressing. The school had its "Match" today and all of the programs filled to the max with the exception of internal medicine. Dr. Lenhart stated his goal will be to improve the relationship between the School of Medicine and the Medical Society.

Scholarship Fund Report

Dr. Colletti discussed items decided on at the Scholarship Fund annual meeting held just prior to the Board meeting. Nursing students who express the intent to stay in Clark County and have financial need will receive scholarships of $1,000 (12 total). As in the past, four medical students will receive $1,000 scholarships each. Dr. Ellerton was again elected as the Scholarship Fund President.

NSMA Report

Dr. Shreck reminded the Board of the Annual Delegates meeting coming up April 16-18 in Arizona.

Alliance Report

Annette Mohs stated the Alliance had their 4th annual fundraiser benefit at the MGM and it was a huge success. They sat 270 and probably reached their goal of raising $10,000 for autism.

Voter Registration

Dr. Jones reported there are over 3 dozen offices set up for voter registration now. The CCMS building will serve as a drop off place for registrations. Dr. Jones asked the Board members to ask their patients if they are registered to vote. Forms will be provided to any interested.

AMA Report

Dr. Horne advised the Board members that the AMA will meet in June so any resolutions to be considered should be submitted to him prior to that time.

President's Report

Dr. Kingsley reported the KODIN task force continues to meet every other week. Dr. Kingsley stated printed information will be provided on April 5 to the Task Force members. The goal will be to get the information out to every doctor's office by the end of May.

Dr. Kingsley announced the passing of member Jerald Malone, MD.

Dr. Kingsley was pleased to announce that Dr. Kwalick, CCMS' nominee, was selected for the NSMA Distinguished Physician award which will be presented at the NSMA Annual Delegates meeting.

Dr. Kingsley explained how the CCMS position paper regarding the Federation of State Medical Boards' audit of the NBME originated. He presented the CCMS position paper to the Legislative Commission, and then to the NBME at the request of Senator Randolph Townsend. Dr. Kingsley stated that even though the position paper was sent to each CCMS Board member and expected that each Board member read it, he felt perhaps he should have encouraged more input from the Board members.

The NBME did not respond to the CCMS position paper but may at the June NBME meeting. Dr. Kingsley reminded the Board members that the audit was very important to each board member as it addressed several supposed deficiencies with the NBME. He stated all physicians should pay close attention to the decisions made by the body which regulates physicians.

Dr. Evins recalled how the Board members voted and unanimously approved the position paper. Dr. Jones stated he felt the position paper was extremely well written. Dr. Jones stated he supports the idea of writing position papers and it is important to for the integrity of the Board to take positions.

Dr. Kingsley reported the NBME tabled indefinitely the proposed "Proficiency" regulations.

Administrative Report

Dr. Havins introduced Cornell Clark, MD, the Republican candidate running in Assembly District 6. Dr. Clark explained the boundaries of his district and some of his background.

Darlene Galleron, Washoe County Medical Society's Executive Director, continues to work on obtaining a medical health insurance program for WCMS members. The price of the insurance is not yet available.

New Business

PayPal Account

Dr. Havins asked the Board members' opinion regarding the opening a PayPal account for CCMS. Although the billing for dues is handled by NSMA, CCMS staff could process credit cards for special events such as dinners or CME activities in which some attendees may prefer to pay by credit card. There would be a small percentage per transaction fee and some other costs. Dr. Shreck volunteered to have his office manager call Deborah Barton with the information on the credit card processing company his office uses which he felt might cost less.

Member Advertising in Directory

The board approved a discounted member rate for quarter-page advertisements in the 2004 Directory. ($500 - a $120 discount from the standard price.)

Appoint MedPac Directors

The President to be, the President-Elect to be, the Immediate Past President, and David Steinberg were elected by the board to the MedPac Board of Directors.

Bylaws Committee

The Board approved recommended revisions by the Scholarship Fund Committee to be in concert with the Scholarship Bylaws. All recommended bylaws revisions will be mailed on April 17 for referendum.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 6 pm.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Dr. Kingsley at 7:50 pm.

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CME Calendar

Cardiovascular Consultants 691-9154

Clark County Medical Society 739-9989

5/22 - “The Physician as an Expert Witness,” 9 a.m., 2 CME hours

5/26 - “Clinical Trends in Ophthalmology for the Non-Ophthalmologist,” 6 p.m., 2 CME hours

6/2 - “HIPAA Regulatory Requirements Update,” 6 p.m., 2 CME hours

6/30 - “Physician Reportig, Patient Consent and Updates on the Medical Practice Act,” 6 p.m., 2 CME hours

9/18 - “Hospice and Pallative Medicine- What is it?” 9 a.m., 2 Ethics CME hours

Future Programs Planned

August 2004 - Obesity, Cosmetic Surgery, Medical Malpractice

HealthInsight (801) 892-0155

5/13 & 14 - “Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis,” 10.5 CME hours

St. Rose Hospital 616-5832

Southwest Medical Associates 242-7347

Summerlin Hospital 233-7572

5/8 - “Risk Management & Ethics,” 8 a.m., 2 CME Ethics hours

Sunrise Hospital 731-8210

UMC 383-2604

Valley Hospital 388-4847

5/11 - “Death Goes to the Movies: How the Media Affects Our End of Life Care (Medical Ethics),” noon

5/25 - “IBS and Prevention of Colon Cancer,” noon

6/8 - “Implantable Device Therapy in Cardiac Management,” noon

6/22 - “What’s New in Joint Replacement?” noon

*Special Note: CCMS members can receive free CME courses on the internet with World Medical Leaders.

To have your CME courses listed on our calendar, please contact Deborah Barton at 739-9989 prior to the deadline of the 12th each month.

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Clark County Health District Disease Statistics* - March 2004

DISEASE CASES REPORTED YEAR TO DATE

Mar 2003 Mar 2004 2003 2004

VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES

DIPTHERIA 0 0 0 0

HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA 0 2 2 2

(invasive)

HEPATITIS A 1 2 4 1

HEPATITIS B 7 3 17 11

INFLUENZA 16 0 28 51

MEASLES 0 0 0 0

MUMPS 0 0 0 0

PERTUSSIS 0 0 1 0

POLIOMYELITIS 0 0 0 0

RUBELLA 0 0 0 0

TETANUS 0 0 0 0

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES **

CHLAMYDIA 389 422 1147 1093

GONORRHEA 129 189 412 485

SYPHILIS (Primary & Secondary) 0 0 1 0

SYPHILIS (Early Latent) 6 2 10 4

ENTERICS

AMEBIASIS 4 2 7 6

BOTULISM-INTESTINAL (Infant) 1 0 1 0

CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS 7 10 21 17

CHOLERA 0 0 0 0

CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS 2 0 2 0

E. COLI O157:H7 0 0 0 1

GIARDIASIS 7 7 21 25

ROTAVIRUS 61 62 245 316

SALMONELLOSIS 5 8 16 18

SHIGELLOSIS 5 3 6 12

TYPHOID FEVER 0 0 0 0

VIBRIO 0 1 0 1

YERSINIOSIS 0 0 0 0

OTHER

ANTHRAX 0 0 0 0

BOTULISM INTOXICATION 0 0 0 0

BRUCELLOSIS 0 0 0 0

COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS 2 2 9 22

ENCEPHALITIS 0 0 0 0

HANTAVIRUS 0 0 0 0

HEMOLYTIC UREMIC 0 0 0 0

SYNDROME (HUS)

HEPATITIS C 0 0 0 1

HEPATITIS D 0 0 0 0

LEGIONELLOSIS 1 0 1 0

LEPROSY (HANSEN'S DISEASE) 0 1 0 1

LEPTOSPIROSIS 0 0 0 0

LISTERIOSIS 0 0 0 0

LYME DISEASE 0 0 1 0

MALARIA 0 1 0 2

MENINGITIS, ASEPTIC/VIRAL 7 3 13 11

MENINGITIS, BACTERIAL 6 0 10 6

MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE 0 0 2 0

PLAGUE 0 0 0 0

Q FEVER 0 0 0 0

RABIES (HUMAN) 0 0 0 0

RELAPSING FEVER 0 0 0 0

RSV (RESPIRATORY 343 233 1127 956

SYNCYTIAL VIRUS)

ROCKY MOUNTIAN 0 0 0 0

SPOTTED FEVER

TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME 0 0 0 0

TUBERCULOSIS 8 5 21 12

TULAREMIA 0 0 0 0

TYPHUS, MURINE 0 1 0 1

* Numbers include confirmed and probable cases

** For HIV/AIDS statistics please call the Clark County Health District Office of AIDS at 759-0730.

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Classifieds

· BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST, ENT or Plastic Surgeon needed to perform skin surgery in busy Dermatologic Practice. Please call Laura Lynde 734-8511.

· NEEDED: PART-TIME RETIRED PHYSICIAN with active Nevada State license to work in a drug free workplace. Please call John Ranc @ (702) 737-8376.

· FOR SALE

Contents

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Candidates for the 2004-2005 Board of Trustees

Fees being assessed for AHEC bioterrorism courses

President’s Message

Membership Applicants To Go Before Credentialing Committee

In Memorium

New Members for March 2004

CCHD reports on public health surveillance programs

Clark County District Court Medical Malpractice Filings against Health Care Providers

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

NSMA approves resolutions at annual meeting

Dangerous Abbreviations and Medication Errors

Minutes Synopsis

CME Calendar

Clark County Health District Disease Statistics* - March 2004

Classifieds